Instructor Class Description

Special Topics

Various topics designed to respond to faculty and student interests and needs.

Class description

From the location of prisons to the demarcation of the U.S. border, borders and boundaries can be perceived as “cultural artifacts” that help to generate social meaning. In this course we examine the concepts of “borders” and “boundaries “ and why these ideas are of particular significance, both in everyday social practice as well as in the geopolitical realm. Drawing from numerous theorists (Harvey, Rose, Gilroy, among others) we will critically examine the notion of whether a border or a boundary simply happens “out there,” or instead may be experienced internally and become deeply rooted social and cultural practices. In this course, we will examine how social relationships are connected to material surroundings and how, as a result, borders may be produced.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Background in anthropology is needed for this course.

Class assignments and grading

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Nicole I Torres
Date: 11/13/2011

Office of the Registrar
For problems and questions about this web page contact icd@u.washington.edu,
otherwise contact the instructor or department directly.
Modified:April 23, 2014